Rezaul Hossain (right), originally from Manikganj, began working for New Wave Style on the third floor of Rana Plaza in 2012.

Rezaul is the second youngest in a family of seven. His father, Mohammad Jamal Sheikh (left), 48, is a rickshaw puller and his mother, Mazu Begum, 40, is a homemaker (second from right). His older sisters, Ruma Begum (far right) and Jamirun Begum (second from left), live with their husbands but come to visit often. Rezaul’s younger brother, Billal Sheikh (middle) and elder sister Rojina live at home with Rezaul and their parents.

Mazu and her husband relied on Rezaul’s income as a machine operator to pay for their rent and living costs as Jamal’s earnings as a rickshaw puller were not stable or regular.

When Rana Plaza collapsed, Rezaul suffered from a head and hip injury. He was trapped under rubble for four hours and the experience left him traumatised. He thinks the government has not been supportive enough of survivors and victims. He says the training he received from BRAC, with support from Benetton Group, has been extremely helpful to him in setting up a new activity as a shop owner.

Rezaul likes his open storefront because he is still afraid to go inside buildings. He says he suffers pain in his waist area when he walks for 15 or more minutes.

BRAC provided materials for Rezaul’s shop, which he hopes to expand in the future.

Rezaul would like to buy a fridge for his shop so that he can meet demands for chilled products.

Rezaul’s younger brother Billal often comes by the shop to keep him company. Rezaul says he prefers running a business and working for himself. He feels more in control of his life.